Employment

Employment Supports and Resources

Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD)
The agency supports persons with developmental disabilities in living, learning, and working in their communities.  APS provides services to Floridians with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, intellectual disabilities, Prader-Willi syndrome, and spina bifida.  APD also provides assistance in identifying the needs of people with developmental disabilities for supports and services.

• APD Supported Employment Services: Review of Supported Employment Services offered through the Agency for Persons with Disabilities to their customers.

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Department of Education, BEESS
The Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services administers programs for students with disabilities. Additionally, the Bureau coordinates student services throughout the state and participates in multiple inter-agency efforts designed to strengthen the quality and variety of services available to students with special needs.

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Center on Self-Employment
National Center on Self-Employment, Business Ownership, and Telecommuting
In partnership with VCU Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (VCU-RRTC)

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Florida Alliance for Assistance Services and Technology FAAST
FAAST is a non-profit organization funded by the US Department of Education through the Assistive Technology Act of 2004, Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), and the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.

• FAAST Lending Library: Quick access to information on a wide range of assistive services – FAAST's Online Resource Library, Employment Resources, and Self‐Help Guide for Individuals with Disabilities.

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Florida APSE
APSE is the only national organization with an exclusive focus on integrated employment and career advancement opportunities for individuals with disabilities.  APSE leads in the advancement of equitable employment for people with disabilities.

Florida Developmental Disabilities Council  (FDDC)
The Developmental Disabilities Council is a non -profit organization that receives federal assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Developmental Disabilities. The mission of the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc., is to advocate and promote meaningful participation in all aspects of life for Floridians with developmental disabilities.

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The Able Trust
Created by the Florida Legislature in 1990 (FS 413.615), the Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, parent organization of The Able Trust, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public/private partnership. Its mission is to be a key leader in providing Floridians with disabilities successful opportunities for employment.

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VCU Rehabilitation Research and Training Center: Self-Employment Resources
The contents of this website were funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration (Grant#H263E200005). The ideas, opinions, and conclusions expressed do not represent recommendations, endorsements, or policies of the U.S. Department of Education.

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New (Free) Online Self-Employment Course for Vocational Rehabilitation Professionals
The Center on Self-Employment, Business Ownership, and Telecommuting has developed a new online self-employment course, Core Self-Employment Concepts, that provides information and strategies for supporting each step in the self-employment path. This six-module course begins with a module on strategies for exploring the possibility of self-employment. The remaining modules cover the five steps of self-employment: Business Concept Development, Business Feasibility, Business Planning, Business Launch, and Maintaining the Business. Designed specifically for VR professionals, this series will build your confidence in working with individuals pursuing self-employment and provide practical information, tools, and examples. Each module takes approximately one hour to complete (up to 6 CRCs available for the course). You are encouraged to complete all six modules but have the option to complete the ones you need the most. Access the course: Core Self-Employment Concepts